Organizational Unit: Board of Directors

Jonathan is a practicing attorney and principal of Samish Hill Legal in Bellingham. He is a graduate of the University of Washington journalism program and Villanova University School of Law. His professional career has taken him from covering the Washington State Capitol in Olympia as a journalist for The Oregonian, to working as a U.S. Congressional staffer for one of the “Stupak Nine” during the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, to his current role as a general counsel and litigation attorney in Washington, representing a broad range of individuals and business. He regularly serves as a volunteer attorney for LAW Advocates and is proud to contribute to the Whatcom County community in new ways with his role on the Unity Care NW board.

Jonny has been a patient with Unity Care NW for over 20 years, experiencing firsthand the organization’s dedication to accessible, high-quality healthcare. He works in civic and nonprofit engagement, and has spent years supporting programs through C4PIN and other nonprofits, helping people build skills, strengthen networks, and achieve success. He joined the UCNW Board in 2026 to further engage with community-minded individuals and serve as a catalyst for their growth. Jonny fondly remembers the gumball machine at the children’s dental office, where picking a small toy or sticker after appointments made him excited to visit the dentist, which was an early experience that shaped his appreciation for patient-centered care. He is honored to serve on the Board and looks forward to helping Unity Care NW continue making a meaningful impact in Whatcom County.

Chelsea graduated in 2025 with her Masters in Public Health and has worked in higher education, health education, and is currently working in community engagement & programming. Working within and advocating for marginalized and underrepresented populations remains her focus in any role she holds. She is passionate about maternal & infant health, patient advocacy, and quality measures. Chelsea joined the Board in February 2025 and is dedicated to working with UCNW to continue working towards ensuring that everyone has access to care necessary to thrive.

Adam comes to the board with a background in finance and education. He has spent the last several years teaching continuing education courses on personal finance and investments at Whatcom Community College. Adam moved to Bellingham from Seattle in 2016 with his wife and two kids and has loved every minute of it. He is a firm believer in the healthcare exchange and that healthcare is a human right that should not be tied to employer choice.

Teresa was born in Whatcom County and graduated from Ferndale High, and left after graduation to see the world. She lived in King County off and on for many years and also had the opportunity to live in Cairo, Egypt for 10 years. In 2006, she returned home to Bellingham. In 2015, she returned to school earning an AA degree in 2017, and has been employed for the past 6 years with an organization that “Powers the World.” Having struggled in many areas in life and come out on the other side, she was happy at the opportunity to give back to the very organizations that were so kind during those times. She is honored to have been elected as a Board member and wouldn’t be where she is today without the help of Unity Care NW, Opportunity Council, and Work Source Whatcom County.

Caty has a background in Molecular Biology and Virology. She received her BA in Public Health from Sacramento State in 1981. She retired in June 2021 after 40 years in the Biotech field where she worked as a Principal Scientist on various Diagnostic Tests used to protect the blood supply, and later as a Laboratory Supervisor, where she oversaw 70+ Research and Development labs. She is a transplant from the California East Bay Area and settled in the Blaine area where her husband’s family is from. She is currently the lead for the Blaine Emergency Response Team. She joined the UCNW Board in March 2024 and looks forward to serving the Whatcom County community.

John has a background in healthcare and education; he recently retired from teaching Dental Hygiene for 30 years at Cabrillo College in Aptos, California.  During that time he was a dentist in private practice, and previously served in the Indian Health Service and two tribal programs.  As an advocate for preventive and science-based medicine, he supports parity of behavioral health and dental services as an important part of “health care for all.”  A third generation Washingtonian, John welcomes the opportunity to serve the Whatcom County community.

Caty recently retired, following 39 years as a Clinical Psychologist in Bellingham.  Her Ph.D. was from the University of Chicago, focusing on mental health and adult development.  She was a founding member in 1993, and served on the executive board, of Associates in Mental Health, a local independent practice association.  She has served on the Advisory board for the Palliative Care Institute (WWU).  Born and raised in the Northwest, her extended family here spans ages 1 to 96.  Her hopes include access to quality healthcare for all.  She joined the UCNW Board in October 2020.

Dr. Vince Foster is grateful to have the opportunity to serve on the Unity Care NW Board of Directors, having previously served as an Employee Assistance Program provider to UCNW employees.  He and his wife have lived in Bellingham for over 25 years.

He is a semi-retired psychologist with a Masters in Addiction Counseling. His professional background includes over 40 years in health care as a mental health services provider along with 22 years as a clinical supervisor and mental health program manager.

He is particularly interested in assisting UCNW to advance their population health perspective because he believes that evidence supports that it is the most cost-effective way to reduce human suffering and to build strong, vibrant and successful communities.

After nearly 40 years in community health and nonprofit leadership positions in Monterey CA, Burlington VT and Bellingham WA, Chris is now semi-retired, and offers consulting services focused on organizational pathways to collaborative progress. A resident of Bellingham since 1994, Chris loves to bike and run trails, produce travel videos, and spend time with his wife and two adult children.